Search Results (4,638)

Flammulina velutipes roots, abundant edible mushroom by-products, have potential for value-added utilization. This study evaluated the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lpb. plantarum) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (Lab. bulgaricus) fermentation on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, flavor characteristics, sensory characteristics, and metabolite profiles of F. velutipes roots. Fermentation significantly increased soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from 1.537 to 1.722 g/100 g and DPPH radical scavenging activity from 27.88% to 59.92% in Lpb. plantarum-treated samples. GC-IMS analysis showed that fermentation increased several flavor-active aldehydes, esters, alcohols, organic acids, and ketones, thereby improving aroma complexity. LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics revealed that amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, organic acid metabolism, and phenylpropanoid-related pathways were closely associated with flavor formation and antioxidant enhancement. Both Lpb. Plantarum and Lab. bulgaricus fermentation enhanced the accumulation of organic acids, sugar alcohols, and aromatic precursors, supporting improved antioxidant activity. Notably, Lpb. plantarum elicited broader metabolic shifts involving hydroxy fatty acids, esters, while Lab. bulgaricus more strongly promoted organic acid and aromatic metabolite accumulation, contributing to a more acidic and malty flavor profile. Sensory evaluation and electronic tongue analysis further confirmed that fermentation enhanced aroma and palatability, while increasing sourness and reducing bitterness and astringency. These results suggest that starter-culture-dependent lactic acid bacteria fermentation is an effective strategy for improving the functional and sensory characteristics of F. velutipes root by-products. Full article

Pediatric disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBIs) comprise chronic or recurrent symptom-based gastrointestinal conditions that cannot be fully explained by identifiable structural, biochemical, or organic abnormalities after appropriate clinical evaluation. The term DGBI is used throughout this review in accordance with current terminology, whereas the historical term “functional gastrointestinal disorders” (FGIDs) is retained only when referring to studies that used earlier Rome classifications. This review examines the impact of four modifiable factors—sleep, psychological stress, circadian rhythm, and diet—on their development and severity in children and adolescents. Relevant literature was identified through PubMed, with emphasis on recent pediatric studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Sleep disturbances are associated with greater abdominal pain, functional disability, and impaired daytime functioning. Stress may exacerbate symptoms through hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activation, autonomic imbalance, altered motility, and visceral hypersensitivity. Circadian disruption may affect gastrointestinal motility, barrier function, enteroendocrine signaling, and microbial rhythmicity, although pediatric evidence remains limited. Diet influences fermentation, microbiota, intestinal permeability, and symptom expression, with regular meals, adequate hydration, and appropriate fiber intake representing important initial measures. These factors interact bidirectionally through shared neuroendocrine, autonomic, immune, and microbial pathways. Clinical management should therefore adopt a biopsychosocial, multidisciplinary approach combining symptom management with modification of sleep, stress, circadian habits, and dietary patterns. Further prospective pediatric studies are needed to clarify causality and support personalized interventions. Full article

Emotional eating (EE) is associated with poor dietary quality and weight gain among university students. Therefore, exploring innovative, non-invasive interventions to support healthier food-related responses is essential. While multisensory environments show promise in influencing food-related responses, their effectiveness in managing stress-induced EE remains understudied. Grounded in the Environment–Organism–Health (EOH) model, this study used an immersive virtual reality (VR) platform and recruited 49 Chinese university students. After emotional induction tasks, participants were randomly assigned to VR campus environments with varying wall colors and environmental sounds. The study combined physiological indicators and subjective questionnaires to evaluate the effects of color–sound combinations on emotional responses, physiological recovery, food preferences, and food cravings. Food preference was assessed via an image-selection task, and food healthiness was rated by an expert panel (n = 7). A mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant interaction between wall color and sound. Natural sounds were associated with reduced negative emotions and higher healthy food preference scores under several color conditions, while both color and sound influenced food craving. Independent t-tests revealed significant differences according to gender and emotional eating tendency on multiple outcomes. This study suggests that multisensory environments may offer a novel approach to influencing stress-related emotional responses, food preferences, and food cravings. Full article

Background: Educational workplace dietary interventions have emerged as a promising approach to supporting occupational well-being among healthcare professionals. This scoping review mapped and synthesized the available evidence on such interventions across healthcare settings. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between December 2020 and March 2026. Thirteen studies met the predefined eligibility criteria. Results: Across the included studies, healthcare professionals exhibited irregular eating patterns, meal skipping, and suboptimal dietary behaviours associated with occupational stress. Educational workplace interventions combining nutrition education with behavioural, organizational, and lifestyle components were associated with improved nutrition knowledge, dietary behaviours, selected health indicators, and occupational well-being. Thematic synthesis identified workplace organization, behavioural determinants, and organizational support as key influences on dietary practices and professional well-being. Conclusions: Workplace nutrition should be considered an integral component of occupational health rather than solely an individual lifestyle behaviour. The proposed Workplace Nutritional Resilience framework highlights the potential contribution of educational, behavioural, and organizational strategies to occupational well-being. Further longitudinal and intervention studies in specific healthcare professions are warranted, particularly among dental professionals. Full article

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and is closely associated with oxidative stress. Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) cladodes are recognized as a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their metabolic benefits remain incompletely understood. Objectives: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective potential of a polyphenol-rich O. ficus-indica cladode extract (OCE) using an integrated approach combining in vivo evaluation, untargeted metabolomics (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS), molecular docking, and ADMET prediction. Methods: Hyperlipidemic mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) were treated with OCE, while molecular docking was performed on ten major annotated phytochemicals against twelve key proteins involved in lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis, including HMGCR, FAS, PPARα, PCSK9, and NPC1L1, using simvastatin as the reference compound. Results: OCE treatment significantly improved plasma and hepatic lipid profiles, improved glucose homeostasis, and markedly reduced hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating attenuation of oxidative stress. Histopathological analysis further supported a pronounced hepatoprotective effect, with a substantial reduction in hepatic steatosis. Untargeted metabolomics enabled the annotation of 102 metabolites, putatively identifying piscidic acid as the predominant phenolic constituent together with a diverse profile of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Molecular docking supported the potential contribution of these phytochemicals to the regulation of lipid metabolism through favorable interactions with multiple therapeutic targets, while ADMET prediction suggested an overall favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profile despite the lower intestinal permeability predicted for glycosylated derivatives. Conclusions: Overall, these findings support O. ficus-indica cladodes as a promising source of dietary bioactive compounds with potential applications in the nutritional management and prevention of hyperlipidemia and related cardiometabolic disorders. Full article

Background: Lactose intolerance is a common gastrointestinal condition with variable clinical expression, often requiring both clinical and genetic evaluation. While genetic testing identifies genetic predisposition to lactase persistence or non-persistence, the relationship between specific LCT genotypes and clinical response to dietary intervention remains incompletely understood. Aim: To assess the association between LCT genotypes (CC, CT, TT) and symptom improvement following a lactose-free diet in an adult population and to explore the implications for clinical assessment. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted including 538 adult patients evaluated for suspected lactose intolerance. Genotype distribution and its association with clinical response to a lactose-free diet were analyzed. Group comparisons were performed using chi-square and non-parametric tests, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify genotype-specific predictors of symptom improvement. Results: The CC genotype was the most prevalent (70.8%), followed by CT (22.9%) and TT (6.3%). No significant differences were observed between genotype groups regarding age, sex, or area of residence. A significant association was identified between LCT genotype and clinical response to lactose restriction (p < 0.001). CT carriers demonstrated the highest rate of symptom improvement (70.7%), followed by CC (43.8%) and TT (17.6%). Logistic regression analysis confirmed higher odds of improvement among CT carriers (OR = 11.28, 95% CI: 4.30–29.56, p < 0.001) and CC carriers (OR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.47–9.00, p = 0.005) compared with TT individuals. Conclusions: LCT genotype was significantly associated with clinical response to a lactose-free diet. These findings suggest that genetic variation may contribute to differences in symptom response to dietary lactose restriction and support the use of genotypic information as a complementary component of clinical assessment. However, the observed variability in clinical outcomes across genotype groups highlights the multifactorial nature of lactose intolerance and indicates that genetic predisposition alone does not fully explain symptom expression or dietary response. Full article

Intensive yak fattening in cold alpine regions requires essential long-term high-concentration feeding, which disrupts rumen microbial homeostasis and causes inefficient digestion of nutrients. Lactobacillus may have probiotic potential for ruminants, yet its regulation of rumen function is poorly understood under high-energy diets. During a 120-day feeding experiment, 120 male Pamir yaks were allocated to four dietary treatments, with LEG and LLG serving as the primary comparison for evaluating 0.02% Lactobacillus supplementation to explore the regulatory effects of Lactobacillus supplementation on the rumen microbiota and host metabolism of yaks during a fattening process based on a concentrate feed diet via phenotypic data (body wight and nutrient digestibility) and multi-omics analyses (rumen microbial sequencing and rumen epithelial transcriptome) in a concentrate-based rearing yak model. The results showed that Lactobacillus intervention reduced OTU (Operational Taxonomic Unit) richness during the early fattening period and subsequently promoted microbial recovery through colonization resistance, which significantly enhanced microbial diversity (p < 0.05), and restructured the microbial community structure toward efficient energy utilization under high-concentrate feeding by reducing Prevotellaceae and Ruminococcaceae abundance, increasing the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio (p < 0.05). Concurrently, Lactobacillus enhanced the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and fibrous components (p < 0.05). According to the transcriptomic analysis, there was an activation of signaling pathways related to IL-18 and TNF, and up-regulation of immune-and metabolism-related genes, in addition to strengthening the rumen mucosal barrier function. Multi-omics integration supported that dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus can optimize rumen fermentation, enhance nutrient digestion, and strengthen immune defense in Pamir yaks fed high-concentrate in cold seasons. These modifications demonstrate the positive effects of the Lactobacillus supplementation strategy on yak rumen health without interfering with the high-energy intensive rearing pattern. The present research presents a scientific basis for the use of targeted probiotic strategies to improve the rumen health and efficiency of alpine yak production systems. Full article

Endothelial dysfunction is a key mechanism linking obesity, metabolic disturbances, and cardiovascular disease, contributing to the development and progression of atherosclerosis and other vascular complications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction in obesity and discusses current diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring vascular homeostasis. The available evidence indicates that chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, increased reactive oxygen species production, and dysregulated adipokine signaling play central roles in endothelial impairment. Recent advances in functional vascular assessment, circulating biomarkers, and imaging techniques have improved the early identification of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk. Current therapeutic strategies include pharmacological agents, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, metformin, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, together with lifestyle interventions based on healthy dietary patterns and regular aerobic and resistance exercise. These approaches improve glycemic control, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, enhance endothelial function, and contribute to cardiovascular protection. Overall, the evidence supports an integrated and personalized management strategy targeting both metabolic and vascular abnormalities to reduce cardiovascular risk and improve long-term clinical outcomes in individuals with obesity. Full article

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 receptor agonists have transformed obesity management by producing substantial, sustained weight loss and improving metabolic health. Alongside these benefits, their effects on appetite, food intake, and gastrointestinal function have raised increasing interest in the nutritional consequences of pharmacologically induced weight loss. Although reductions in energy intake contribute to therapeutic efficacy, they may also influence protein intake, dietary quality, micronutrient adequacy, and skeletal muscle health, particularly in individuals with pre-existing nutritional vulnerability. This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding nutritional considerations during GLP-1-based therapy, including changes in dietary intake, protein and micronutrient adequacy, body composition, muscle health, and nutritional assessment. Particular attention is given to populations at increased nutritional risk, practical approaches to nutritional monitoring, and strategies to support adequate nutrition during treatment. Current evidence suggests that nutritional responses to GLP-1-based therapy are heterogeneous and cannot be adequately evaluated using body weight alone. Assessment of dietary intake, body composition, muscle function, physical performance, and individual clinical characteristics provides a more comprehensive understanding of nutritional status than anthropometric measures alone. While routine supplementation or intensive monitoring is not supported for all patients, a risk-based and individualized approach appears appropriate, particularly for older adults and individuals with sarcopenic obesity, previous bariatric surgery, chronic gastrointestinal disease, or persistent treatment-related gastrointestinal symptoms. Future research should establish clinically meaningful nutritional outcomes and determine which nutritional interventions improve patient-centered outcomes during long-term obesity management. Full article

Background/Objectives: The transition toward healthier and more sustainable diets has increased the need for reformulated bakery and confectionery products formulated with alternative ingredients. However, validated instruments for assessing consumer acceptance of these products remain limited. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate a multidimensional assessment framework integrating food choice motives, green (environmental) values, health consciousness, perceived nutritional value, willingness to pay a premium, and purchase intention. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 504 consumers in Romania using an online questionnaire. The instrument was developed by adapting established scales and by developing a new Perceived Nutritional Value scale. Dimensionality was evaluated using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses. Temporal stability was assessed in an independent test–retest subsample (n = 30; 14-day interval), and the proposed conceptual model was evaluated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with 5000 bootstrap resamples. Robustness was examined through a sensitivity analysis excluding respondents younger than 18 years (N = 441). Results: EFA (KMO = 0.933) and CFA (CFI = 0.965, TLI = 0.959, RMSEA = 0.061, SRMR = 0.033) supported the proposed six-factor structure. All constructs demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.898–0.938), convergent validity (AVE: 0.790–0.889), discriminant validity (HTMT < 0.77), and good-to-excellent test–retest reliability (ICC: 0.82–0.91). Perceived nutritional value was positively and significantly associated with both willingness to pay and purchase intention, and willingness to pay partially mediated the association between perceived nutritional value and purchase intention. The structural model explained 46.1% of the variance in purchase intention; all hypothesized relationships were supported, and the findings remained stable in the sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: The proposed framework demonstrated good psychometric performance and provides a theory-informed measurement framework for assessing consumer acceptance of reformulated bakery and confectionery products. It may support future nutrition research, consumer studies, and the evaluation of food reformulation strategies aimed at promoting healthier and more sustainable dietary choices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Enteral nutrition (EN), delivered either exclusively (EEN) or partially (PEN) in combination with the Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED), represents an evidence-based dietary therapy for active Crohn’s Disease (CD), recommended in clinical guidelines. However, adherence to this therapy remains suboptimal among adult patients. This study aimed to explore the intention to repeat CDED & PEN alongside perceived factors affecting adherence to CDED & PEN in CD adult patients. Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted between October 2025 and March 2026 at a private dietetic practice in Larissa, Greece. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Out of the 88 patients screened, 15 adults with CD participated in semi-structured interviews. Four overarching themes emerged: (1) intention to repeat CDED & PEN, with all participants reporting willingness to repeat CDED & PEN in the event of future relapse; (2) barriers to CDED & PEN adherence, including challenges in social situations involving food; (3) facilitators of CDED & PEN adherence, such as improved symptom control and increased sense of security; and (4) dual factors affecting CDED & PEN adherence, whereby meal preparation demands, taste and variety, and social and environmental support acted as either facilitators or barriers against adherence depending on individual circumstances. Conclusions: Greek adults with CD showed strong willingness to reinitiate CDED & PEN during relapse. Addressing modifiable barriers, particularly dietary monotony and financial burden, alongside strengthening structured dietitian support and personalized dietary guidance, may help optimize adherence in clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have emerged as ubiquitous environmental contaminants resulting from the extensive production, use, and degradation of plastic materials. Human exposure occurs primarily through contaminated food and drinking water, with inhalation representing an additional important route. Growing concern has focused on the ability of these particles, particularly NPs, to cross biological barriers, enter the systemic circulation, and reach human tissues. The aim of this review was to summarize current evidence on dietary exposure to MPs and NPs, their gastrointestinal bioavailability and toxicokinetics, and their potential systemic health effects, with particular emphasis on organ-specific responses, underlying biological mechanisms, and the strength and limitations of the available evidence. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review of the scientific literature published between 2000 and 2026 was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Original research articles and review papers addressing dietary exposure, occurrence in food and drinking water, migration from food-contact materials, gastrointestinal absorption, translocation, biodistribution, bioaccumulation, elimination, molecular mechanisms, and potential organ-specific or systemic health effects were included. Publications without full-text availability, conference proceedings, editorials, commentaries, duplicate publications, and studies without relevance to human exposure or health were excluded. Results: Food, drinking water, beverages, and food-contact materials represent important sources of human exposure to MPs and NPs. Following ingestion, most larger particles are eliminated through the gastrointestinal tract, whereas smaller MPs and particularly NPs may cross biological barriers and potentially reach the systemic circulation and distant tissues. Experimental studies consistently identify interconnected biological responses involving oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, barrier impairment, immune dysregulation, genotoxicity, apoptosis, and endocrine disruption. These mechanisms have been associated with alterations in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and skeletal systems and with biological processes relevant to carcinogenesis. However, most mechanistic evidence derives from in vitro and animal models, whereas human evidence remains limited and predominantly observational. Consequently, the extent to which these experimental findings translate into clinically significant effects in humans remains uncertain. Conclusions: Current evidence supports the biological plausibility of systemic effects associated with MNP exposure but is insufficient to establish causal relationships between chronic dietary exposure and specific human diseases. The detection of MNPs in human tissues and reported associations with pathological conditions should therefore be interpreted cautiously. Standardized analytical methods, improved characterization of realistic human exposure, and well-designed longitudinal epidemiological studies integrating quantitative exposure assessment with validated clinical outcomes are required to clarify dose–response relationships, long-term health effects, and the clinical significance of MNP exposure. Full article

This study aimed to illustrate the effects of plant-based yogurts made from bio-fermentative green rice milk yogurt (GRMY), enhanced with Wolffia globosa powder (WGP) and infused with Thai green tea. Different formulations (F1 to F4) were analyzed to assess the impact of varying weight ratios of WGP, ranging from 0% to 15%. The goal was to improve nutritional values and bioactive components. The F4 formulation of plant-based yogurt demonstrated enhanced nutritional values, including higher levels of dietary fiber, starch, protein, and fat contents, which were 42.45, 26.55, 22.48, and 2.29% DW, respectively. It was increased by bioactive compounds such as total phenolic content (52.99 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (60.45 mg QUE/g), and β-carotene (1.81 mg/g). Additionally, the F4 formulation exhibited the highest antioxidants in terms of DPPH activity (5.48 mg TROE/g), ABTS activity (424.15 mg TROE/g), and FRAP reducing capacity (106.35 mg TROE/g) and antidiabetic activity of α–glucosidase inhibition in IC₅₀ at 1.41 mg/mL. The yogurts were evaluated through metabolomic network analysis as a complex bioactive food system, wherein fermentation-derived metabolites synergistically interact with tea polyphenols, amino acids, phytosterols, and carotenoids. The prevailing metabolic profiles indicate an increase in antioxidant capacity, a reduction in inflammatory burden, enhanced glucose metabolism, alterations in gut microbiota, cardiovascular protection, and neuroprotective potential. These findings suggest that the product represents a promising plant-based functional food, offering numerous health benefits. This assertion is supported by a diverse metabolite network identified through UPLC–MS/MS metabolomic research. Full article

Rising temperatures and the occurrence of heat waves due to climate change can increase the risk of various skin disorders. Moreover, elevated temperatures worsen oxidative damage and inflammation caused by other climate change stressors, such as UV exposure. Consequently, there is growing interest in innovative solutions to protect skin health from the effects of pollution and climate change stressors. Among natural cosmeceuticals, carotenoids are recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the thermoprotective effects of Hematococcus lacustris (the microalga formerly called Hematococcus pluvialis) extract (HLE), which is considered the richest natural source of carotenoid astaxanthin, against acute hyperthermia, which mimics the conditions of heat waves. In addition, we separately assessed the effects of HLE against UVA and hydrogen peroxide stress, complementing the antioxidant profile of the extract under study. The evaluation was conducted using in vitro tests on human HaCaT keratinocytes and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which is a model organism sensitive to environmental stressors. The treatment of HaCaT keratinocytes with HLE counteracted the intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species and cytotoxicity induced by hyperthermia, UVA, and hydrogen peroxide exposure. Under the same experimental conditions, HLE also restored the impaired expression of stress-sensitive genes, such as matrix metalloproteinase-1, in HaCaT keratinocytes and promoted wound closure mimicking the process of re-epithelization. Lastly, experiments in C. elegans confirm that HLE reduces heat stress-induced oxidative damage and preserves motility, supporting a systemic protective effect consistent with dietary uptake of the extract. These findings suggest that HLE, rich in carotenoid astaxanthin, can protect keratinocytes against oxidative damage and cytotoxicity induced by thermal stress, indicating its potential role in mitigating thermal aging. Full article

Advanced glycation end products arise during thermal processing and endogenous metabolism, contributing to oxidative stress, inflammation, and the progression of chronic diseases. Dietary polyphenols have emerged as promising advanced glycation end product (AGE) inhibitors through antioxidant activity, carbonyl trapping, metal chelation, and modulation of inflammatory pathways. This review summarizes current evidence on the effects of polyphenols in food systems and highlights how different polyphenol subclasses vary in their antiglycation potential depending on chemical structure, food matrix, and cooking conditions. Although experimental studies consistently demonstrate inhibitory effects, the translation to humans remains limited by low bioavailability, metabolic transformation, and heterogeneous analytical methods. Standardized AGE measurements are needed to improve mechanistic insight, and evaluations of dose–response relationships are needed to clarify their relevance in real-world diets. Future research should prioritize long-term human studies and practical culinary strategies to determine whether polyphenol-rich foods can meaningfully reduce dietary AGE exposure and support chronic disease prevention. Full article